A Backpacker Radio episode unpacks a recent 31-mile circumnavigation of Mount St. Helens — the route, terrain, logistics, problems on the road, and the crew’s practical lessons about gear and campsite decisions.
The Loowit Trail is a roughly 31-mile loop around Mount St. Helens featuring lava boulder fields, rope-assisted gullies, and a tree-barren northern blast zone.
Road logistics mattered: the crew’s rental van nearly failed en route, signaling the need for realistic vehicle planning for remote trailheads.
Practical prep includes checking permit and camping restrictions (north side limits), planning direction (clockwise vs counter), and managing water and gear maintenance routines.
# What this episode covers
Backpacker Radio hosts Zach, Katie, and Jabba review their recent hike of the Loowit Trail, a roughly 31-mile loop around Washington's active Mount St. Helens. The episode blends route detail, on-trail moments, logistical failures, and the crew's gear upkeep habits.
# Route and terrain
# Logistics and permits
The guests discuss permits and fees required for the trail, and that camping restrictions exist on the north side. They also weigh clockwise versus counterclockwise travel and how direction affects water access, restrictions, and campsite planning.
# Road-trip and access lessons
A major part of the episode is the road-trip debacle: the rental van nearly overheated or "melted down" en route to the trailhead. The takeaway is to plan vehicle capability and backcountry access realistically: the road to remote trailheads can be a limiting factor and should be part of trip risk management.
# On-trail incidents and conditions
# Water, wildlife, and seasonality
The episode contains discussion about water sources, wildlife, and the best season to hike the Loowit Trail. These factors influence pack weight, daily mileage, and campsite selection. Treat water planning and wildlife precautions as active parts of your itinerary.
# Gear and maintenance
# Group dynamics and van etiquette
The hosts name a "Triple Crown" list of people you don't want in a road-trip van, drawing on their own near-miss and social friction during the drive. This is framed as a practical warning: group selection and clear expectations matter when sharing confined travel space.
# How they rate it and final notes
The episode ends with a subjective trail rating, a look at the last stretch and recovery, and a peak-performance question where each guest shares a top backpacking hack. The audio includes time-stamped segments to jump to specific discussions (permits, terrain, days, and the road-trip story).
# Quick practical checklist
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